Intuitive Surgical to Invest Over RM2 Billion in Penang MedTech Manufacturing Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Global medical technology company Intuitive Surgical Inc will invest more than RM2 billion over five years to establish its first manufacturing facility at Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Batu Kawan.

The company, known for pioneering robotic-assisted surgery, has entered into a lease agreement with the Penang Development Corporation for a 40-acre site at the technology park.

The new facility will span approximately 316,000 square feet and is expected to begin operations in 2028. It is projected to create around 1,200 highly skilled jobs by 2032, providing new opportunities in advanced manufacturing and medical technology.

Intuitive plans to manufacture surgical instruments and electromechanical devices for its da Vinci surgical system at the Penang facility. The investment will also strengthen the company’s global manufacturing network while bringing production closer to customers across the Asia-Pacific region.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the investment reflects growing confidence among global companies in the state’s mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, manufacturing capabilities and integrated supply chain.

He added that Penang aims to become a leading MedTech hub in Southeast Asia, building on more than five decades of industrial experience and expanding beyond its traditional electrical and electronics sector.

From 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, Penang secured about RM2.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in scientific and measuring equipment, including MedTech. These investments involved 40 projects and generated nearly 4,500 employment opportunities.

Intuitive executive vice-president and chief manufacturing and supply chain officer Mark Brosius said the investment represents the company’s long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, which it expects to become one of its most important markets.

Intuitive has served around 20 million patients across 70 countries, with approximately 12,000 robotic systems installed in hospitals worldwide.

The latest investment further strengthens Penang’s reputation as a destination for high-value foreign direct investment, particularly in advanced healthcare and medical technology manufacturing.